Local 4-H members are counting down to the Calhoun County Fair, held in Port Lavaca during October. They’re currently raising roasters, turkeys, rabbits, and goats; some for a few months, and some for a few weeks. All have been hard at work caring for their animals and attending clinics to learn more about the process of raising poultry and livestock. In addition to participating in these main events, they will also visit the fairgrounds to feed and tend to their animals once or twice daily as they have been doing at home.

For the Intercoastal 4-H Club members, the main action starts early in the morning on Wednesday, October 12, as they will arrive to weigh in their animals and go through the sifting process to see whose animals are ready to be judged. Intercoastal members’ poultry and rabbits will be judged in the morning starting at 8:30 a.m. while goats and other livestock will be shown beginning at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, October 13, the auction will begin at 6:00 p.m. Wish them luck to receive a good price for their investments! Raising these animals requires hard work, determination, time, and money. If you are interested in being a buyer at the auction, please contact the County Extension office at 361-552-9747 for more information.

Friday, October 14, a Young Exhibitors show will be held at 6:00 p.m. This is for Clover Kids who are below age 8 and third grade and are trying out club projects.

If you are at the fair on Saturday, October 15, stop by the County 4-H booth and get some tasty chicken wings and sweet tea. Intercoastal club members will be working from 5-10 p.m. You may also see them walking around and selling tickets for chicken squat bingo! (Presale tickets available at County Extension office.)

Then, Sunday, October 16, club members will arrive at the fairgrounds bright and early for the release of their animals and fair clean-up.

Finally, they will complete their project record forms and thank you cards to their buyers. Some will also submit a project record book for judging in the spring.

These young people should definitely be proud of themselves for their efforts. Not only do they learn the knowledge and skills of raising these animals, they also learn to work cooperatively and independently and to have confidence and courage.

Come out and support Port O’Connor’s Intercoastal 4-H Club at the 2016 Calhoun County Fair! We hope to see you there!